I just moved to a coastal area and would love to learn how to body surf. How do I start?

Question

How do you body surf anyway? And what equipment do I need?

Answer 1

I like all the other answers, but make sure you're a good swimmer and body surf only in good conditions so that you don't get caught in a rip tide.

Answer 2

Hey Anna, Body surfing is great fun.

Here's what you do girl.

You swim out to the point where the swells are starting to white cap.

When you see that big swell coming you start swimming to gain momentum.

The swell will pick you up and start carrying you.

You can put your hands out in front of you or along your side.

When that swell white caps it will be pushing you through the water like lighting.

Its a rush!

You have no choice but to ride it out.

Answer 3

Fins help, but you actually don't *need* anything.  I like to think that surfing and body surfing are advanced methods of playing in the water.  Just go out and try to put yourself in the curl and have the energy of the wave move you.  The skill sets develop naturally, just make sure you're having fun!

Answer 4

All you must have to body surf is your body, but a good set of swim-fins is a major help. There are swim-fins designed for body surfing.

The idea is to swim toward the shore and let your body be picked up by the energy of the wave.

You want to position yourself in the surf right along the outside surf line (where the waves begin to break). As the wave approaches the beach the bottom of the wave begins to come in contact with the sand/rock/bottom, as it does the bottom of the wave begins to slow and the top gets steeper until it "breaks." You want to be in position at the spot just before it breaks.

Swim as fast as you can toward the shore until you feel the wave begin to carry you. Once you feel yourself being pulled by the wave move your arms back along your sides and steer by dipping you shoulder in the direction you want to go. Let the wave carry you as far as it can--have fun.

Answer 5

Go to the beach and watch!!

Then ask a hot guy to teach you how to body surf.

That's what I would do.

Have fun!!